MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, lauded yesterday the approval in the Senate of the measure increasing burial assistance for veterans.
Trillanes, sponsor of the measure, said the increase in burial assistance is timely considering the rising cost of burial.
“In recognition of the patriotic service of the country’s veterans in times of war and peace, it is just appropriate for the government to provide assistance to the next-of-kin of veterans after their demise,” Trillanes said.
“It is suitable to accord our veterans, who risked their lives for the protection of our liberty and democracy, with decent burial befitting men in uniform,” he added.
A similar measure, House Bill No. 694 under Committee Report No. 57, has been approved at the House of Representatives. Under HBN 694, burial assistance for veterans will be increased from P10,000 to P20,000.
“It was 20 years ago since the burial assistance for our veterans was increased through RA 7696. With the burial expenses having considerably increased over time, it is necessary that the burial assistance to the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran be likewise increased,” he added.
Although the amount may not be enough to defray all the costs for the burial of veterans, Trillanes expressed hope that this would help their families in their time of need.